Beshear proposes largest pay increase for teachers in 40 years, plan to fund pre-K

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear wants to give Kentucky teachers and all school personnel an 11% increase in pay.

The governor made the announcement Wednesday morning while outlining his Education First plan.

The governor says the proposal for the $1.1 billion investment not only includes the largest single pay raise for public school educators in 40 years, but also fully funds universal pre-K.

“Hiring and retaining educators is critical,” Beshear says. “And we are in competition for talent. It’s simple. We can’t catch a kid up on math without a math teacher. And we cannot remain competitive with other states if we can’t pay teachers closer to what they’re worth.”

Beshear says this pay increase for school personnel is across the board, so existing teachers and all school staff benefit.

This plan would also fully fund student transportation programs, as well as fully fund teacher pensions and ensure no increase in health insurance premiums.